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Denver Options' quarterly newsletter, The LiNK 7.3, traumatic brain injury edition
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{ LiNKthe }Traumatic Brain Injury Special Edition
Service Dogs Help Wounded Heroes
Tips for Thriving after Brain Injury
Announcing ourREADER CONTEST!
The LiNK 7.3 - Fall 2011
HAVHomes for All Veterans
9900 E. ILIFF AVE.
DENVER, CO 80231
PHONE (303) 636-5600
FAX (303) 636-5603
TDD (303) 636-5602
WWW.DENVEROPTIONS.ORG
Dear Readers,
Denver Options is excited to expand our services to veterans beyond those with traumatic brain injury
through our new Homes for All Veterans (HAV) program. Veterans struggling to find or keep a roof
over their heads now have additional resources thanks to a grant awarded by the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs. The grant funding has allowed us to create HAV to provide outreach, emergency
assistance and case management resources to more than 500 homeless or at-risk veterans and their
families throughout the state of Colorado.
The Homes for All Veterans program will provide a wide range of supportive services designed to
promote housing stability and alleviate chronic homelessness. Services will include assistance with:
• Findingtemporaryshelterandpermanenthousing
• ObtainingVAandotherpublicbenefits
• Emergencyfinancialandfoodneeds
• Healthcareservices
• Legalandfinancialplanningservices
• Employmentservices
U.S. military veterans who have served at least one day of active duty or a family in which the head of
household or the spouse is a veteran, who are considered very low income and who are homeless or at
risk of becoming homeless are generally considered eligible. Additionally, veterans must not have been
dishonorably discharged.
Our HAV case managers will meet with veterans and their families around the state to determine
eligibility and provide services. We already have offices in Denver and Colorado Springs and will be
expanding to additional offices in Grand Junction and Alamosa to meet the needs of veterans across
the state.
To learn more about Homes for All Veterans, to support our outreach or to find out if you are
eligible, call (855) VETS-HAV or visit www.HomesforAllVeterans.org.
Sincerely,
Kathy Martin
Chief Operating OfficerDenver Options, Inc.
1 The LiNK 7.3 - TBI Edition
The LiNK 7.3 -TBI Edition 2
When Chuck and Kate Daffron first brought their German Shepherd Zeus home, theyhadnoideaitwouldbethestartofanewjourney.AnOperationTBIFreedomclient, Chuck suffers from blackouts due to his traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post traumatic stress disorder. To everyone’s surprise, Zeus began picking up on subtle body cues and could predict Chuck’s blackouts.
Ultimately, it inspired the couple to found Daffron Doghouse, a service dog training organization for wounded warriors. Daffron Doghouse takes a unique approach. Rather than supplying pre-trained service dogs, the couple provides a series of self-paced training modules and a variety of individualized support that enables veterans to train and certify their own dogs.
ThecouplehasalreadystartedworkingwithfellowveteransintheOperationTBIFreedomprogram.“Ourgoalistogetthembackintosociety,”Chucksaid.“Aservicedogcanhelpthemreachoutandconnectwiththeircommunity.”WithZeus at his side, the dog is helping Chuck do the same.
Whenever Scott Reichert and his dog Chloe return home, he immediately takes off her leash and tells her, “Search.”Shediligentlycheckseachroom before returning to the front door, where he waits. Scott, an Army veteran, suffers from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and this ritual helps ease his anxiety. The pair is in training to become a service dog team.
Scott,anOperationTBIFreedomclient, has a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and he suffers from nightmares due to PTSD. He also has back problems that force him to walk with a cane and makebendingoverdifficult.Likemanyinjuredveterans,Scott was reluctant to ask for help despite his difficulties. “Idon’twanttoaskforhelpfrompeople,soI’denduphurting myself,” he said.
Knowing the benefits a service dogcouldprovide,Scott’sOTFcarecoordinator,JohnLenz,connected him to Daffron Doghouse. The organization works with injured veterans to help them train their own service dogs. Although Chloe is still in training, she’s quickly making a positive impact.
Chloe gives Scott more independence, while also providing assistance. She’s even helped reduce his nightmares.
“WhenshesensesI’mhavinganightmare,she’llputherpaws on my chest and lick my face until I wake up,” he said.“Igetbettersleepwithherthere.”Eachstepoftheservice dog training process is helping Scott open new doors to a better, more active life.
Service Dog Is a Perfect
Partner for Scott
Daffron Doghouse Helps
Wounded Warriors
Read the full story on the OTF website!
Learn more or apply for services: Call (866) 245-6600 or visit www.OperationTBIFreedom.org
Denver Options is supported through the generosity of people like you, who believe in providing the extra support to help soldiers, veterans and other adults with traumatic
their injuries. Help individuals with TBI in Colorado live healthy, productive lives by donating today!
Check or Cash:
Use the postage-paid envelope provided
Credit Card: Visit www.denveroptions.org/support
Text: Text ASSIST to 50555 to donate $10*
*$10 donation to Operation TBI Freedom, a program of Denver Options. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 50555 to STOP. Text HELP to 50555 for HELP. Full Terms: www.mGive.org/T
Make a Donation!
GivingFirst.org/cogivesday
A special incentive fund will increase the value of your donation!
Support Denver Options on Colorado Gives Day!
Tuesday, December 6online at GivingFirst.org
24 hours to give where you live
3 The LiNK 7.3 - TBI Edition
Thank you to the generous individuals and organizations who have donated $100 or more to Denver Options’ traumatic brain injury programs this year. We greatly appreciate your support!
AnschutzFoundationBlueModus
DenverCentralChapterAmericanGIForumof Colorado
FirstWesternTrustBankJeppesen
KnightsOfColumbusNativityOfOurLordCouncil 10961
LadiesAuxiliary-VFWPost7945Neurological Rehabilitation Resources
PCLConstructionScience Applications Int’l Corp. (SAIC)
StellarSolutionsFoundationThe Boeing CompanyTheHilltopFoundation
The University of DenverTravelers Assistance Program
Ronald AndersonClaire BennettStephen Block
Max BoyerKitty BrennanCharles BruenLindaBurton
Richard BurtonKaren Carpenter
Bob ColbertLisaCrowell
Winona DavisBarbara Decet
Sharon DelforgeMarc DippoldLewisDunningDianaEganRonaldEganCarolEmich
MathewFogelbergJamesFoley
ElizabethForgyR.A.Fox
Tom GleasonWenda GordanKim HarmonJan Harting
David HilleryOrville HinermanAnne HitchcockMichael Holder
Alfredia JohnsonJamesLong
MichaelLynchBettie MasonClay MohlerJack Morgan
Stephanie MurphyJane O’ConnorMonica OrlenSarah PantojaEdnaPaul
E.WilliamPoundsA. Prohaska
Carmelita RiveraGrant Ross
Joanne SchoppCindy Slevin
John SwarmerDavid TohlenJudy TrujilloLoisWheeland
Neil Wiese
THaNK YOU TO OUR DONORS
CONNECTIONSC O L O R A D O
The LiNK 7.3 - TBI Edition 4
Technology and Support Help Abby
Carmen Montenegro had a busy life working and raising her three children in Silverthorne. A single parent, she enjoyed her full-time health care job and augmented her salary with retail work. Then a fall at work changed her life, leaving her with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and persistent back pain.
“IthoughtIwouldbebacktomyjobquickly,butmemory problems, dizziness and pain kept me from returning,”shesaid.“ColoradoConnectionsmadeall the difference; they found resources and, most importantly, they listened.” Carmen’s care coordinator, Jessica Dupuy, has been helping her through the ups and downs of her recovery.
Carmen, who also manages diabetes, said her TBI resulted in weight gain because she’s not able to be as activeassheoncewas.“Jessicagotmeatreadmill,andIlost17poundsinthefirstmonth.Icanwalksafelynow,andIexerciseeveryday,”Carmensaid.“Theyalso bought me a computer so I have internet access to diabetes information.”
Carmen’s natural optimism gave way to depression at times as she realized the permanent nature of some of herinjuries.“WithJessica,Ifelt100%supportedeverystep,” she said. Though she is not sure yet what the future holds, Carmen feels Colorado Connections has made a big difference in the recovery she has achieved.
Atanationalconferencethisspring,AbbyLandmeierfaced a crowded room to give a presentation. In the weeks prior, she worried that she wouldn’t find the words she needed or remember what to say at all. A year earlier, Abby tripped while exiting a Grand Junction building and hit her head on the stairs. Afterward she experienced memory loss and an inability to find words and was finally diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury.
Abby continued her career, but she realized she needed help to address her new cognitive challenges. Abby applied for services through Colorado Connections and was connected to a care coordinator. Through the program, Abby purchased an iPad and a teleprompter application for it, which acts as a scrolling cue card during speaking engagements.
To improve her memory, Abby used games on the Lumositywebsiterecommendedbyhercarecoordinator.“UsingLumonsity.comhelpedalot,”Abbysaid.“Itwasnice to have something that could be gauged because so much of healing from brain injury has no gauges or scales.”
Abby claimed success in her rehabilitation as well as inhercareer,butherjourneywasn’teasy.“Myfriendsand family helped me significantly,” she said. Abby also credits Colorado Connections for providing support whensheneededitmost.“ThecareIhadfromColoradoConnections was very professional. They met me where I was at and provided me with knowledge I didn’t get anywhere else.”
“Colorado Connections provided me with knowledge I didn’t get anywhere else.”
Carmen Faces Recovery with Support
Connect with us for more information and resources!Toll Free : (866) 245-6600 Phone: (303) 636-5600
www.denveroptions.org/colorado-connectionswww.Facebook.com/coloradoconnections
Tips for Thriving braininjuryaf
ter
Making the Most of Your MemoryYou may not be able to completely reverse the memory loss caused by your brain injury, but you can take steps to enhance your memory. Follow the tips below to boost your memory potential:
• Create a daily routine. By maintaining a consistent routine, you will improve your ability to remember daily tasks and may even decrease fatigue. • Focus your attention on one task at a time. If you frequently multitask, it may be harder to remember the events of your day. When completing a task that requires memory, turn off the TV and eliminate distractions. By giving the task your full attention, you will �ind it easier to remember details later.
• Explore electronic aids and “smart” devices. Try using the calendar in your cell phone to remember appointments or use the alarm to remind you of tasks to complete.
• Ask family and friends for support. Ask someone you trust to help you with your memory system. For example, ask a family member to give you a calendar for the coming
year that includes important dates such as birthdays and anniversaries.
• Practice a good sleep routine. A well rested brain is an ef�icient brain. Go to bed at the same time every night, sleep 7-9 hours, and wake at the same time every morning.
• Maintain a regular meal schedule and a healthy diet. To operate at 100 percent, fuel your brain. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables and consider incorporating “brain foods” like blueberries into your diet.
• Find a system that works for you and stick to it. Any system for memory you adopt should re�lect your unique style and needs. If you work best with a traditional day timer, don’t feel you need to switch to an electronic alternative. Consistently use the system that works for you.
Upcoming EventsBrain Injury Family Education GroupJanuary 11, 2012, 6-8 PMTBD, BoulderRSVP: (866) 245-6600 x1 or [email protected]
Health and Emotional Well Being after Brain InjuryFebruary 22, 2012, 10 AM - 2PMDenver Options, 9900 E. Iliff Ave., DenverRSVP: (866) 245-6600 x1 or [email protected]
More Events:www.Facebook.com/coloradoconnections
Featured ResourceLumosity:
www.lumosity.com
Lumosity offers cognitive games to strengthen memory and boost
processing speed. An annual membership to the site is $6.70
per month and allows you to track your ongoing cognitive progress.
CONNECTIONSC O L O R A D O
5 The LiNK 7.3 -TBI Edition
years1992 • 2012
20
Do you have a story about how Denver Options has helped you or your family? Perhaps you have a funny story or fond memory of someone you worked with at Denver Options? Tell us what our programs, including Colorado Connections andOperationTBIFreedom,meanttoyouandshareyourmemoriesthroughanoriginalstory,poem,photo,video,orartwork!YoursubmissioncouldbefeaturedinTheLiNKoronourwebsiteorFacebookpage! Three ways to share your memories:
• PostitonourFacebookpage, www.Facebook.com/denveroptions• Emailitwithyourcontactinformationto [email protected] • MailapapercopyoraCDorDVDto: Denver Options, Attn: Communications,
9900E.IliffAve.,Denver,CO80231.Pleaseinclude your name and mailing address so we can return your work.
If you are entering a photo or artwork, please include a description of who it is (if applicable) and what it represents. All submissions that are accepted will automatically enter you in a drawing for a chance to win one of many prizes! No more than two submissions per person please.
By submitting a story, poem, photo, video or artwork, you are granting permission to Denver Options to use your work inournewsletterandpostitonourwebsiteandFacebookpage.Yournamewillappearwithyourworkwhenitisusedsoyoureceivecredit.Forquestionsaboutsubmissions,[email protected](303)636-5700.
The LiNK 7.3 - TBI Edition 6
TBI ResourcesArmy Community Service Center at Ft. CarsonPh:(719)526-4590http://community.carson.army.mil/ACS
Brain Injury Alliance of ColoradoPh:(303)355-9969www.biacolorado.org
Colorado Brain Injury Conference SeriesPh:(303)355-9969www.cbics.com
Colorado Traumatic Brain Injury Trust FundPh:(719)592-1300www.tbicolorado.org
Craig HospitalPh:(303)789-8000www.craighospital.org
Defense and Veterans Brain Injury CenterPh:(719)526-8636www.evans.amedd.army.mil/srp
Disabled American Veterans Service CenterPh:(719)380-8005www.dav.org
Mental Health Center of DenverPh:(303)504-6500www.mhcd.org
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, Veterans AffairsPh:(719)592-1300www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre
More Resources Online:www.denveroptions.org/resources
Help Us Celebrate 20 Years!Share your Denver Options memories!
CONNECTIONSC O L O R A D O HAV
Homes for All Veterans
CONTRIBUTORS
Jessica Dupuy Katie GouletBarbLundy
Kathy MartinLayoutbyTessaLarson
COmmunications & Development
Annie Davies, Director
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bill Parkhill, PresidentRoger Carstens, Vice President
JimLong,TreasurerNikiF.Tuttle,Secretary
Roger Schmitz, Assistant TreasurerMarlon Anderson
AnnEricksonGiffordBarry Martin, M.D.
Scott Showalter, M.D.Gail Strobel
Stephanie TownsendChristine Wester
StephenR.Block,Ph.D.,CEO
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Ph:(303)636-5624TDD:(303)636-5602
NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE
PAIDDENVER, CO
PERMIT NO. 169
9900 East Iliff AvenueDenver, CO 80231
www.denveroptions.org(303) 636-5600
Questions about the LiNK? Email [email protected]. TheDenverOptions’LiNKispublishedquarterlybyDenverOptions,anon-profitorganization that provides service coordination and program services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries.
HONOR OUR WOUNDED HEROES
Please Donate Today!Call1-877-FUND-OTF(386-3683)Visitwww.OperationTBIFreedom.org
Sign up for our [email protected]
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
www.facebook.com/operationtbifreedomwww.facebook.com/coloradoconnections